Hot Port news from GAC
17-Sep-2019
REPLACEMENT OF WATER PIPELINE BETWEEN PENG CHAU & SUNSHINE ISLAND
Hong Kong
UPDATED DREDGING RESTRICTIONS
Corpus Christi, United States
SAUDI ARAMCO PORTS OPEN DESPITE DRONE ATTACKS
Saudi Arabia
Replacement of water pipeline between Peng Chau & Sunshine Island
Tuesday, September 17, 2019, Hong Kong
For approximately 3 months, replacement of water pipeline will be carried out within the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (D):
(A) 22 deg. 16.292’N / 114 deg. 02.901’E
(B) 22 deg. 16.244’N / 114 deg. 02.919’E
(C) 22 deg. 16.233’N / 114 deg. 02.862’E
(D) 22 deg. 16.283’N / 114 deg. 02.852’E
The works will be carried out by one derrick lighter. One tugboat and one dry cargo vessel will provide assistance.
A working area of approximately 50 metres around the derrick lighter will be established. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights and radar reflectors will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the derrick lighter.
The hours of work will be from 0800 to 1800 hours. No works will be carried out on Sundays and public holidays. Vessels employed for the works will stay in the works area outside the hours of work.
Diving operations will be carried out from time to time during the hours of work.
Vessels engaged in the operations will display signals as prescribed in international and local regulations.
Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution and keep clear of the works area at slow speed, bearing in mind there are divers working in the area.
(For information about operations in Hong Kong contact GAC Hong Kong at shipping.hongkong@gac.com)
Source: Government of the Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.144 of 2019 dated 12 September 2019
Updated dredging restrictions
Tuesday, September 17, 2019, Corpus Christi, United States
Due to unexpected maintenance on the Dredge CAROLINA this past weekend and to continue the facilitation of safe dredging in the Corpus Christi area, the safety zone time periods listed in Marine Safety Information Bulletin 35-19 have been extended for two additional days.
The U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Corpus Christi, Marine Safety Information Bulletin NO.36-19 issued on 16 September states:
“Deep draft vessels, articulated tug and barges, ocean going barges, and other vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver shall not transit through the area of the Humble Basin to La Quinta Junction portion of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, in vicinity of the Ferry Crossing, approximate position 27 deg. 50’31.13″N, 097 deg. 04’11.28″ without permission from the U.S. Coast Guard, and coordination with Aransas Corpus Christi Pilots and Port of Corpus Christi Harbormaster’s Office during the following times.
Including the previously announced safety zone tonight, the safety zone is in effect:
– Tuesday 17 Sept 2019 at 8 p.m. through Wednesday 18 Sept 2019 at 8 a.m.
– Wednesday 18 Sept 2019 at 8 p.m. through Thursday 19 Sept 2019 at 8 a.m.
While the safety zone is established, small vessels, TXDOT ferries, and inland barge traffic may transit the area, however those vessels should be aware that Dredge CAROLINA will be spudded down in the center of the channel and only 200′ of open channel will be available on the red side, therefore vessels should ensure no meeting situations occur in vicinity of the dredge.
Dredge CAROLINA will monitor VHF Channels 12 and 16. Concerned parties with urgent concerns can contact the U.S. Coast Guard Sector/ Air Station Corpus Christi Command Center at 361-939-0450; or for non-urgent questions and concerns, email CCWaterways@uscg.mil.”
For information about operations in the United States, contact GAC North America at usa@gac.com
Saudi Aramco ports open despite drone attacks
Tuesday, September 17, 2019, Saudi Arabia
Following the drone strikes on Saudi Aramco oil plants at Abqaiq and Khurais on Saturday (14 September), all Saudi Aramco ports are currently reported to be operating. No official statement has been issued regarding port closures or stoppage of any cargo.
For information about operations in Saudi Arabia contact GAC Saudi Arabia at saudi@gac.com
